Electricity bills have gone up by 163% since 2008

Households are paying almost three times more for electricity than they were 17 years ago.

According to official data analysed by OHMS Renewables, the average annual household electricity bill in the UK rose from £425 in 2008 to £1,118 in 2024.

That’s an increase of 163%.

Direct debt customers saw the biggest increases, with their bills going up by almost 181%.

Meanwhile, prepayment meter users have seen their costs rise by 128%.

Which areas have seen the biggest price increases?

Some regions have seen even bigger jumps in electricity costs.

The south-east, for instance, has seen bills go up by 181% since 2008, followed by:

• Merseyside and North Wales - 170.1%
• Northern Scotland - 169.5%
• East Midlands - 164.5%
• London - up 164.2%

Northern Ireland saw bills go up by 149.4%, the lowest overall figure.

“These figures highlight the regional disparities in energy costs, with some households bearing far greater financial pressure than others,” said David Walker, energy analyst at OHMS Renewables.

“Although price caps and energy-efficiency measures have provided some protection, the underlying trend remains deeply concerning.”

What can I do if I’m struggling to pay my bills?

If you’re finding it hard to keep up with your electricity bills, speak to your supplier. 

They might be able to offer:

• grants
• payment plans
• advice on managing your account
• emergency credit if you’re on a prepayment meter

It could also be worth joining the Priority Services Register for extra support.

Another good idea is seeing where you can cut your energy usage to save money.

Just small changes like not overfilling the kettle and not leaving devices on standby could make a big difference to how much you pay throughout the year.

Have a read of our 50 smart energy-saving tips for some tips on where to get started.